Swann expects tough opening Test

Graeme Swann knows Trent Bridge may prove a personal test of his prospective role as a three-time Ashes winner this summer.

England have taken great care to ensure their off-spinner is fit for a five-match campaign set to begin on Swann's home ground on Wednesday.

The swing and seam of James Anderson and Stuart Broad are likely to be England's Plan A for wickets in the first Investec Test, despite the dry spell which may yet bring Swann into the equation. Asked if he expects the ball to turn, he said: "I'm not sure it will here."

Swann added: "I know Trent Bridge like the back of my hand, and it could be dry for four months and it wouldn't be a turning pitch. Having said that, most teams don't have left-armers. So if (Mitchell) Starc and whoever else they play can kick up a bit of dust, that might make it a bit more enjoyable to bowl spin."

Experience has also told Swann not to pre-judge events. "It's not a ground I've taken a hatful of wickets on. But I'd never taken a wicket at Headingley before playing against New Zealand there (last month), so I don't really think 'Christ, I've not done well here before'."

Precedents nonetheless do not point to a Swann benefit against Australia. "I like bowling here, but I accept there is not much help in the pitch for a spin bowler. I think I took my first Test wicket here last year.

"I played a Test match here against Pakistan and I bowled two overs in the game - (because) it swung so dangerously. The India game, I remember going at about 10-an-over. They were so roughed up by the bouncer at the other end, they were just eyeing me up and hitting me everywhere."

Swann is still relieved just to be fit for purpose - first of all after a second operation on his elbow four months ago and, much more recently, after taking a painful blow on his bowling arm when Tymal Mills hit him with a short ball in England's Ashes warm-up match against Essex last week.

"I was pretty convinced I would never walk again, with my broken arm," he said, with a smile. "I think I was in shock - all my dreams were flashing in front of my eyes. I was wandering round in shock thinking 'I'm not going to play'.

"I couldn't hold a bat for the next 40 minutes - but then after stamping my foot petulantly and demanding an x-ray, I got the all-clear and sheepishly admitted it was only a bit of a bruise."